Title: A comprehensive review of MIMO-NOMA systems for performance enhancement in future wireless network: current status and open research challenges

Authors: G. Prasanna Kumar; K. Ramesh Chandra; Kothapalli Phani Varma; S.V. Kiranmayi Sridhara; Abdul Rahaman Shaik

Addresses: Department of ECE, Vishnu Institute of Technology, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, 534202, India ' Department of ECE, Vishnu Institute of Technology, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, 534202, India ' Department of ECE, SRKR Engineering College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, 534204, India ' Department of ECE, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, 533437, India ' Department of ECE, Vishnu Institute of Technology, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, 534202, India

Abstract: Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a promising multiple access technique for 5G and beyond 5G mobile networks. Integration of NOMA with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology improves spectral efficiency and user services. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the MIMO-NOMA system in future wireless networks. Initially, the basic concepts of the MIMO-NOMA system are explained, then reviewed single and multi-user MIMO-NOMA systems along with their limitations. The other enabling technologies of the MIMO-NOMA system, such as backscatter communication, mobile edge computing, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs), integrated terrestrial satellite networks, and underwater communication, were also investigated. Finally, discussed future research directions of the proposed review, such as integration of better signal processing techniques, optimal resource management, analyse security and privacy in MIMO, etc.

Keywords: NOMA; non-orthogonal multiple access; MIMO; multiple input multiple output; TDMA; time division multiple access; FDMA; frequency division multiple access; CDMA; code division multiple access; NAICS; network-assisted interference cancellation and suppression.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCNDS.2026.154607

International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems, 2026 Vol.32 No.4, pp.420 - 458

Received: 27 Jan 2025
Accepted: 13 Sep 2025
Published online: 07 Jul 2026 *

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